AWARD HONOUR FOR VOLUNTEER, 83

A long-serving hospice volunteer has received a prestigious award for his dedication and service.

Dan Coffey, 83, has been a volunteer at Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice for almost 30 years and has been recognised for his distinguished voluntary work by being awarded an Order of Mercy medal.

Mr Coffey, from Abbey Wood, who was nominated by staff and trustees at the hospice, was delighted to receive the award.

He said: "I was gobsmacked and overawed by the occasion. It was a magnificent afternoon in beautiful surroundings."

The long-serving volunteer attended the League of Mercy presentation ceremony at Mansion House in London last Monday together with hospice financial controller Harjit Landa.

Mr Landa said: "Dan has and continues to give so much to the hospice and it was so nice to see this recognised in a formal ceremony at the Mansion House."

Up to 50 people nationwide who have given seven or more years of outstanding service are chosen annually to receive the League's prestigious award for distinguished voluntary services, the Order of Mercy.

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice has over 560 volunteers working in a variety of roles from charity shop work and fund-raising to working directly with patients and their families at the hospice.